Rangers boss Michael Beale has applauded Celtic star Daizen Maeda – in his post-match press conference – for the way he took his goal at Ibrox on Monday after mistakes from Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier during the 2-2 draw.
Rangers made a decent start in a game billed as must-win to keep the title race alive. But a poor pass across the pitch from Morelos saw Maeda counter. Tavernier failed to make use of his interception, and Maeda race through to score.
Ryan Kent equalised and Tavernier made up for his mistake with a gorgeous penalty. But Kyogo had the last laugh for Celtic, making it 2-2. The draw sees Celtic remain nine points clear at the top of the Premiership, with 19 games to go.
Speaking after the match, Beale gave his verdict on Celtic’s first goal. He underlined his frustration at Rangers gifting possession to Maeda twice, but praised the £18,000-a-week star for the way he took his goal. Maeda’s sixth this term.
“We gave away a terrible goal, everyone can see that. The boy took it really well. But for us, it’s unopposed turnovers, it took us 15-20 minutes to shake that off,” Beale told his press conference, when asked about Celtic’s first goal.
Rangers boss Beale has applauded Celtic star Maeda for his Ibrox goal
It was a lovely finish. Since starring at the World Cup with Japan, Maeda has returned to Glasgow to score two goals in three starts for Ange Postecoglou. A gorgeous curling shot against Hibernian in a 4-0 win, prior to Monday’s strike.
Rangers will be kicking themselves. A game that given Rangers were moments away from winning, they should have really got the job done. But, one to learn for Beale and his Rangers group – and there are clear signs of improvement.
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